Sports ministry escalates fight against drug abuse

THE Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has a special focus on youths as it seeks to amplify the fight against drug abuse through sport.

Drug abuse, especially among youths, has been described as worrying by President Mnangagwa, and sport is seen as a powerful tool in the fight against this scourge. This message was delivered to thousands of youths who watched the Harare Province Young and Great AntiDrug and Substance Abuse Under-20 soccer tournament held at Seke 1 High School in Chitungwiza yesterday.

The inaugural tournament is the brainchild of Young and Great founder Tanaka Mashamhanda.

Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Kirsty Coventry said the Government implemented various policies and programmes that sought to empower young people through sport.

In a speech read on her behalf by her deputy Emily Jesaya, Minister Coventry highlighted the pivotal role that sport and recreation play in achieving the objective.

“I wish to assure you all that our ministry is unwavering in its commitment to fight and eliminate drug abuse in our society, with a special focus on our youth,”she said.

The Government, she added, was geared to equip youths with “necessary tools to excel in sport”.

“By doing so, we actively counteract the negative influences and ills perpetuated by drug abuse,” she said.

“Through sports, we foster discipline, teamwork and character development, instilling in our youths the values necessary to resist the temptation of destructive behaviours.”

Glen Norah 2, coached by former Dynamos skipper Stephen Alimenda, lifted the title after beating hosts Seke 1 (4-2) in a penalty shootout. Seke 1 High School were under the tutelage of ex-CAPS United midfielder Masset Zengeni.

Domboramwari, St Mary’s, Kuwadzana 1, Mt Pleasant, Harare High School and Glen View 2 were the other schools that took part in the competition.

The tournament was a collaborative effort involving the ministry, the National Association of Secondary Heads and Mashamhanda’s organisation — Young and Great.

“This tournament will become a permanent feature on the school football calendar,” said Mashamhanda.